People do talk a lot of tosh with stuff like: ‘Red sky at night … shepherd’s delight’.

In this country a red sky is more likely to mean the shepherd’s house is on fire. In any case do shepherds really want warm weather?

Think about it, if you were responsible for the welfare of animals with coats thicker than an Inuit’s duvet would you welcome a heat wave? Course not, so why promote meaningless proverbs?

Let me give you an example. We dined out at The Wizard, one of Alderley’s finest eateries. They had an excellent menu and we were spoiled for choice.

After due consideration I chose Fisherman’s platter while Mrs B vacillated between bubble and squeak and surf and turf. As the designated driver I drank only orange juice while Mrs B acquainted herself with the Loire Valley.

After running around training dogs in the pouring rain all day it was good to be warm and dry. Our waiter suggested some rather tempting dessert but as we ate I felt a cold sensation creeping into my feet.

I ignored it until Mrs B said her toes felt ‘wet’ and we looked down to see a pool of water spreading across the floor like a mini tsunami.

Suddenly the barman appeared like King Canute, attempting to turn back the tide. Realising he was losing the battle he sent for reinforcements which arrived in the form of a waiter carrying something looking suspiciously like oars. (I was expecting Sir Steve Redgrave to drift by any moment).

So, forget ‘red sky at night, shepherd’s delight’ how about ‘bubble and squeak the roof’s got a leak’ or ‘fisherman’s platter, your feet will get splattered’?

See what I mean? Keep it relevant.